Product Description

The Middle East continues to dominate international news and global politics. From the perspective of religion, however, many Americans think of that area only in terms of Muslims and Israeli Jews and are unaware of the extensive Christian communities that still exist there. Who Are the Christians in the Middle East? chronicles the history and current state of Christianity in this highly volatile region of the world.

Written by a married couple who has lived and worked a long time in the Middle East, this book is must reading for anyone who wishes to be au courant on the Christian dimension of the Middle East. The Baileys describe each Christian denomination now active in the region and provide country-by-country reports on the present situation of the church. They also discuss the history of the relationship between church and state in the Middle East, pointing out the challenges to the future of Middle Eastern Christians.

In addition to these larger discussions, the book features introductory chapters on the Middle East and Christianity written by David A. Kerr, a professor of Christianity in the non-Western world, and Riad Jarjour, general secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches. Also included are an informative timeline and short vignettes on people and places of special historical significance to the church in the Middle East.

Based on personal experience, official church documents, and extensive interviews, Who Are the Christians in the Middle East? looks at the conflicted Middle East region from a perspective that has received scant attention in the mainstream media.

Publisher's Description

The Middle East continues to dominate international news and global politics. From the perspective of religion, however, many Americans think of that area only in terms of Muslims and Israeli Jews and are unaware of the extensive Christian communities that still exist there. Who Are the Christians in the Middle East? chronicles the history and current state of Christianity in this highly volatile region of the world.

Based on personal experience, official church documents, and extensive interviews, Who Are the Christians in the Middle East? looks at the conflicted Middle East region from a perspective that has received scant attention in the mainstream media.

Author Bio

Betty Jane Bailey is currently a consultant to the Middle East Office of the Common Global Ministries Board, UCC/Disciples of Christ. J.

Martin Bailey is presently serving as director of development for Worldwide Faith News and as media consultant to the Hartford-based interfaith project Faith Communities Today. Both are ordained ministers in the United Church of Christ.

Editorial Reviews

The definitive resource for understanding Christianity in the Middle East. Having been in the region on and off since 1969, the Baileys write from personal experience and acquaintance with their subject matter. . . . Recommended for libraries and all seeking an introduction to this topic.”  Religious Studies Review

News may come streaming in daily from the Middle East, but there is hardly ever a mention of the Christians in the region. . . . This solid reference book should open up a new understanding of the Christian community abroad.”  Christianity Today

We are indebted to the Baileys for this timely overview of the usually overlooked, frequently forgotten, and often misunderstood family of Middle Eastern churches tracing direct lineage to our early Christian forebears. Those who pick up the book hoping to find answers to the question posed by the title will not be disappointed. . . . A one-of-a-kind and sorely needed resource.”  Jonathan J. Bonk Overseas Ministries Study Center

This book is an excellent overview of the various forms of faith in the Christian world from North Africa to Persia, whether it be Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant.

The one concern that I do have with this book, is that the author seems to feel that Christianity is a declining faith in the middle east, rather than growing. I have contact with Christians who minister in the middle east, and the picture that they paint is totally different. They say that persecution within the Muslim countries has opened doors for the Good News, and tens of thousands are responding.

Like all reference books, it is written with a slant towards their understanding. That being said, I haven't read anything else that is as thorough as this. I especially liked the inserts that deal with various points of interest. I recommend this book!